Method for preventing an infection by a virus

ABSTRACT

A method for preventing obesity related to infection by an adipogenic adenovirus includes obtaining a sample from a person, assaying the sample to determine whether the person has been previously infected with an adipogenic adenovirus, and if the person has not been previously infected, providing the person with at least one sensor positioned to detect when a person&#39;s hand approaches a predetermined distance from the person&#39;s face. By warning the person of undesired hand-to-face contacts, the person is able to reduce the incidence of obesity related infections. Other embodiments are directed to a kit for preventing obesity caused by infection with an adipogenic adenovirus, such kit including a container for assaying an agent indicating the presence of antibodies to Ad-36, and a sensor positioned on an item selected from the group consisting of one of a hat, a writing instrument, eye glasses, a belt, sunglasses, a bra, a shirt, and a tie.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/195,314, filed Jun. 28, 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,045,742,issuing Aug. 14, 2018), which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/078,718, filed on Nov. 13, 2013 (now U.S. Pat.No. 9,408,559, issued Aug. 9, 2016), which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/949,458, filed on Nov. 18, 2010 (now U.S.Pat. No. 8,591,412 issued Nov. 26, 2013). The present application isalso a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/510,635,filed Jul. 2, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,585,588, issuing Nov. 19, 2013),which is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371 of PCTApplication No. PCT/US2010/057248 having an international filing date ofNov. 18, 2010, which designated the United States. The aboveapplications claimed the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No.61/262,337, filed Nov. 18, 2009, the entire disclosure of each of whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method, system and kit forassisting individuals in avoiding undesired exposure to particular viralor bacterial agents associated with obesity, and more particularly, isdirected to a method and system that employs a device that providesrelevant information such that an individual can avoid undesired contactwith surfaces that have viruses or bacteria thereon that may increasethe risk of becoming obese and/or of being exposed to cancer relatedinfectious agents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Obesity has risen dramatically in the U.S. and foreign countries duringthe past 30 years and the explanations therefore have ranged from theprevalence of fast-food, the lack of physical activity resulting fromincreased computer and TV use, etc. But certain data indicates thatthese factors are not the root cause of the obesity statistics. Whilethe rise in caloric intake and decreased physical activity may play apart in the rise in obesity around the world, another significant factorthat has not been adequately addressed is the incidence of obesity dueto infection by certain bacterial or viral agents. The present inventionis the first to appreciate this connection in a manner that provides anon-pharmaceutical (and thus safe) way to inexpensively address a rootcause of obesity.

There are a number of weight control systems and methods to lose weight.A person can select a particular program designed to control the weightof that individual, including protocols involving exercise and dietactivities. Such programs are difficult for individuals to adopt due tomany factors, ranging from the need for persistent positive behaviors,economic wherewithal to join work-out establishments, the inability tomaintain a healthy diet, etc. As a result, such programs often fail theindividual, who then often subsequently become more despondent aboutweight and health issues. Knowing what causative factors may be involvedin the weight gain of particular individuals could assist them inaddressing how best to address their specific situation and to avoidineffective regimens in an effort to reduce weight and obesity relateddiseases.

The problem of overweight individuals and obesity has now become anation-wide problem for the USA. More than 60% of Americans (about 127million adults) are overweight (see websites of American ObesityAssociation www.obesity.org, Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov,etc.). There has also been a dramatic simultaneous increase in theprevalence of obesity and of certain types of cancer. A worldwideepidemic of obesity accelerated dramatically starting about 1980. In theUSA the prevalence of obesity in adults more than doubled in the 20years from 1980 to 2000 (from 15% to 31%), whereas the prevalenceincreased only slightly in the prior 20 years from 1960 to 1980 (from13.5% to 15%). The prevalence of obesity in children tripled from about1970 to 2000. Likewise, cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, andliver have also rapidly increased in prevalence in recent years.

On any given day people accumulate germs on their hands from a varietyof sources. This can include many sources of germs such as directcontact with other people, contaminated surfaces such as tables,escalator handholds, foods, and even animals such as the family dog orcat. Subsequent to these contacts, if people don't wash their handsfrequently and use the correct technique, they can easily infectthemselves by touching their eyes, nose, mouth, or food. Further,failure to wash their hands will render a person a carrier who spreadsgerms to others by touching those people directly or by touchingsurfaces which others contact, such as doorknobs, faucets, counters,etc. As a consequence of inadequate hand hygiene, especially inchildren, infectious diseases are commonly spread from one person toanother. Everything from the common cold and flu to gastrointestinaldisorders, such as infectious diarrhea, are easily communicated from oneperson to the next.

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious disease that is caused by 3 viruses,influenza A, B and C. It attacks the respiratory tract (nose, throat,and lungs). The flu is different from a cold. While both are caused byviruses, high fever, headaches and extreme exhaustion are much morecommon with the flu. The flu can also cause serious complications suchas bronchitis and pneumonia for certain high-risk groups. Influenzaoutbreaks occur in each hemisphere of the globe at least once a year andare responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths around the worldevery year. Currently, between three and five million cases of severeillness and up to 500,000 deaths worldwide are attributable to the flu.Tens of millions of people died from flu epidemics in the 20^(th)century. New strains of flu virus appear almost every year or so.Approximately 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations aredirectly associated with influenza every year in the United States. If astrain with similar virulence to the 1918 flu epidemic emerged today,experts predict that it could kill between 50 and 80 million people. InApril 2009 a novel flu strain evolved that combined genes from human,pig, and bird flu. On Jun. 11, 2009, the World Health Organizationofficially declared the outbreak to be a pandemic. Every year in the US,5% to 20% of the population gets the flu, and over 200,000 arehospitalized.

The economic ramifications of the flu and colds are enormous. Up to abillion colds a year occur in the U.S. alone, causing about 60 millionlost days of school and 50 million lost days of work—adding up to $25billion in lost productivity. Americans alone spend around $5 billion onover-the-counter remedies every year. The President's Council ofAdvisors on Science and Technology reports that of the expected 60 to120 million Americans who will suffer from H1N1 symptoms, half of thosecases are expected to seek medical attention, with as many as 1.8million leading to hospitalization.

Inadequate hand hygiene and improper hand washing techniques alsocontribute to food-related illnesses, such as salmonella and E. coliinfection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), as many as 76 million Americans get a food-borne illness eachyear. Of these, about 5,000 die as a result of their illness. Othersexperience the annoying signs and symptoms of nausea, vomiting anddiarrhea. This chilling statistic could easily be reduced if foodhandlers and people eating prepared food, washed their hands usingproper techniques and for sufficient time periods.

The common cold is in general initiated by viral infections by theso-called cold viruses, such as rhino virus, corona virus, coxsackievirus, RS-virus, echovirus or other cold viruses. On average, all humanbeings suffer 2 to 3 times a year from infections in the upperrespiratory passages. The majority of common colds in the Fall arecaused by rhinovirus infection, whereas the majority of common coldoccurring in January, February and March are caused by Coronavirusinfections. (The converse is true in the Southern hemisphere.) Allergicsyndromes, for example asthma, may be initiated by common cold viruses,especially the rhinovirus. Up to 70-75% of all patients suffering fromcommon colds have rhinovirus infections ongoing either as a singleinfection or co-infection. In humans, adenoviruses infections are commonand cause acute upper respiratory tract infections, enteritis orconjunctivitis, as well as other diseases.

The average pre-school child experiences 6-10 upper respiratoryinfections or common colds per year whereas the average adultexperiences 2-4. The effects of the common cold can be uncommonlydisruptive, forcing otherwise normal persons to stay away from work,school, etc. Individuals who are at increased risks, such as individualssuffering from bronchitis or asthma, may also experience alife-threatening exacerbation of their underlying conditions. Theaverage annual expenditure for various cold treatments exceeds USD $2billion in the United States, with similar amounts being expended eachyear in Europe.

Most colds are viral and are the leading cause of visits to the doctor.Antibiotics are prescribed for more than 60 percent of common colds,despite bacteria being involved in less than a few percent of the cases.The over prescription of unwarranted antibiotics has lead toantibiotic-resistant bacteria so that when truly needed to treat abacterial infection, antibiotics may not be able to treat it. Somecontend that antibiotics actually make colds worse by killing ‘friendly’bacteria and creating an environment more hospitable to viralinfections. Antibiotics can also have side effects such as diarrhea andyeast infections. Despite repeated contentions, herbal remedies, such asEchinacea, for colds and the flu have yet to be supported withscientific studies.

Individuals infected with the flu virus are potentially contagious forthe length of time one has symptoms, up to 7-10 days following thebeginning of illness, and the initial incubation period is 24-48 hours.Influenza is spread by coming into contact with mucus membranes. The flumay be spread when a person touches a surface that has flu viruses onit, such as a doorknob, and then touches their nose or mouth. A singlecold virus can have 16 million offspring within 24 hours.

In the past, individuals were taught to “cover their mouths” when theysneezed or coughed, resulting in viruses being transferred to one'shands where they can survive for a significant amount of time. Thus,this social practice of a courtesy actually promulgated the spread ofdisease, rather than avoiding its spread. According to the Mayo Clinic,the transfer of germs from hands to eyes, nose and mouth is the primarysource for getting sick. Wearing face masks has been tried in order tolimit transmission of colds and flu viruses. With the exception ofcertain Asian cultures, however, this practice has not been wellreceived. Respirators, which are tight-fitting masks that filterairborne particles, are also beneficial, but they can be uncomfortableto wear for long periods of time and are expensive and cumbersome.

Rhinovirus infections in normal persons are initiated by selectedevents, which can be considered to occur sequentially. The steps in therhinovirus pathogenesis are believed to include viral entry into theouter nose, mucociliary transport of virus to the posterior pharynx, andinitiation of infection in ciliated and non-ciliated epithelial cells ofthe upper airway. Viral replication peaks on average within 48 hours ofinitiation of infection and persists for up to 3 weeks; Infection isfollowed by activation of several inflammatory mechanisms, which mayinclude release or induction of interleukins, bradykinins,prostaglandins and possibly histamine, including stimulation ofparasympathetic reflexes. The resultant clinical illness includes rhinosinusitis, pharyngitis, and bronchitis, which on average lasts one week.A secondary bacterial or microbial infection may follow subsequently tothe viral infection and a sustained and more serious inflammation mayresult. Air-way infections or allergic rhinitis and/or asthma may poseserious health problems as it can be potentially life-threatening forsusceptible groups such as elderly people with chronic airway problemsor persons suffering from a deficient immunity, such as AIDS-patients,cancer patients etc.

In view of the long felt but unsolved needs related to the abovedescription of viral and bacterially related health concerns, there is adesperate need for a simple and effective system and method of avoidingthe undesired infections, occurrences, and symptoms/syndromes associatedwith hand-to-face transmissions of disease. In particular, a long feltbut unsolved need relates to preventing infection with viral agents thatcause obesity and/or cancer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention address the significant and varied problemsdescribed above through an economical, relatively simple andnon-pharmaceutical manner. One aspect of the present invention isdirected to the employment of methods, kits systems that employ devicesthat are adapted to warn an individual that an object is approachingtheir face. In one embodiment, one or more of such devices are employedin the form of an item associated closely with a person's body, garment,jewelry, accessory, or workspace. In particular embodiments, suchdevices and methods are employed in a manner such that third parties maynot be aware that a warning system is being used by an individual. Inother embodiments, the fact that one is employing such devices ispurposefully made apparent such that third parties can appreciate thatanother may be cautious and conscientious about health-related contactswith others.

Transmission of the flu and colds may be effectively limited ifindividuals would avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth, becauseinfections can get started when the virus is picked up by the hands andtransmitted to the face. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) promotesgood hygiene, such as washing hands and the use of hand sanitizers. Butthe present inventors submit that such practices are by themselvesinsufficient to reduce the occurrence of colds, flu and undesiredbacterial and viral contamination of surfaces, food, and other people.Certain embodiments of the present invention employ one or more sensorsthat are positioned such that the location of an individual's hands orfingers is made apparent to the individual, especially as those hands orfingers approach within a predetermined distance or proximity to theirface.

One aspect of the present invention is therefore directed to variousdevices and procedures that when employed, significantly reduce theopportunities for infection of individuals.

In the past, societal pressures have been responsible for changingindividual behaviors deemed dangerous to the population as a whole. Forexample, in the latter part of the nineteenth century after LouisPasteur demonstrated bacterial infection, laws were passed in Englandagainst spitting in public. Spittoons were removed from Public Housesand chewing tobacco went out of fashion. Within a year the death ratefrom upper bronchial diseases dropped by over sixty percent. Thus, thereis support for adopting individual measures to promote better hygienicpractices to curb undesired epidemics. One aspect of the presentinvention in certain embodiments promotes the formation of good habitsthat can reduce the occurrence of disease, including obesity and cancer.Using more than one of the devices as described herein can further theodds that such undesired diseases can be avoided.

Food safety is a paramount concern and various steps have been attemptedto prevent the contamination of food by food handlers. Despite suchefforts, each year numerous individuals are either killed or renderedsick due to contamination of food by food handlers. The food industry,including processors of meat, fruit, vegetables, etc. as well aspreparers of food, such as chefs, delicatessen workers, street venders,etc. may employ on or more embodiments of the invention to prevent orpreclude undesired contact between hands and face and then to fooditems. There is a need in the food production and handling fields for asimple, cost effective and practical device and method that can beemployed to substantially reduce the occurrence of undesiredcontamination of food by food handlers. Use of one or more of thedevices described herein can significantly reduce the potential fortransmission of food related illnesses.

In certain industries, the maintenance of substantially sterileenvironments is desired. These include, for example, hospitals andlaboratories where steps are taken to prevent or minimize thepropagation of harmful viruses or bacteria. Despite such efforts,individuals spread undesired viruses and bacteria to surfaces withinotherwise sterile environments via contact with their face, notablytheir mouth, nose and eyes. While face masks are often employed topresent such contact, the failure to rigorously employ such effortscontributes to undesired contamination of such sterile environments.Thus, one aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention relatesto the use of devices that detect instances where undesired viruses orbacteria may contaminate an otherwise pre-sterilized area. By employingsuch devices, systems and methods, especially when sensors are used thatcan communicate with computers that can record and analyze data for theoccurrences of undesired contacts that may lead to contamination, theability to maintain sterile environments is significantly enhanced.

Still other embodiments are directed toward the recording/tabulation ofinformation about the number and/or extent of contact between a person'sface and their hands. In such a manner, for example, parents candetermine whether a child has substantially complied with the objectiveof limiting hand-to-face contact for a period of time, especially duringparticular seasons of the year when a disease may be more prevalent, orat particularly impressionable periods of time when exposure to knownagents is possible. In other environments, food handling personal can bemonitored to detect the number of instances which could lead tosituations where workers are transmitting bacterial or viral agentsbetween their hands and their face. One aspect of the present inventionpermits monitoring of such events so that, in such a manner, incentivesfor good behavior can be employed to further the goal and to ultimatelymodify undesired behavior and encourage better habits and practices. Forexample, sensors can be used that either record, for immediate or latertransfer to a host computer, the number of times an individual or groupof individuals have made hand to face contact (or more precisely, thenumber of times the proximity distance was breached, which shouldloosely correlate to the number of times actual physical touching ofhands and face occurs.) The results of such data can be used to addressother measures, such as educational sessions that stress the importanceof avoiding hand to face contact, washing of hands, etc. In the foodprocessing industry, for example, salaries, bonuses, etc. can bepartially dependent upon compliance with regulations that promote theavoidance of hand to face contacts. In teaching environments forchildren, incentives can be provided for compliance with pre-determinedgoals related to either individual or group compliance.

Yet still other embodiments of the present invention incorporate stepsthat are believed to further ameliorate or lessen the occurrence of anindividual catching a flu or cold. For example, in certain embodimentsone of the following is also performed in addition to employing one ormore of the devices of the present invention:

-   -   Hand washing at least three times a day.    -   Gargling with warm salt water, Listerine, or similar liquid to        prevent proliferation of viruses.    -   Rinsing nostrils at least once a day with warm salt water.    -   Blowing one's nose hard at least once a day.    -   Swabbing one's nose with cotton buds/swabs dipped in warm salt        water to defeat viral populations.    -   Using a disinfectant material that can be touched prior to        imminent contact between a person's hands and face.

To reduce the need to provide extensive disclosure in this application,but to provide adequate written description of the various devices andmethods encompassed by the numerous embodiments of the presentinvention, various patents are incorporated herein in their entiretiesby this reference. These include Perlman, U.S. Pat. No. 6,762,687 forcertain devices that can be employed in certain embodiments of thepresent invention. For example, Perlman discloses certain biofeedbackdevices for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorders, such ashair pulling, nail biting, thumb-sucking and skin-scratching, by using asensing element and triggering device worn on various parts of the bodydepending upon the particular characteristics of an individual'sdisorder. Also incorporated in its entirety by this reference is Maples,U.S. Pat. No. 7,476,102 for certain employment of a proximity sensor.Another patent incorporated by reference herein is DelBiondo, II et al,U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,553, wherein certain devices are disclosed for thepurpose of limiting caloric intake by compulsive eaters. Still anotherpatent incorporated by reference is U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,942 to Crace,directed to touch effective disinfectant tape. In certain embodiments,the present invention is directed to the use of similar disinfectantsurfaces in conjunction with the employment of one or more sensors asdescribed herein, thus further reducing the number of undesired andharmful contacts between a person's face and hands. In other words, if aperson must touch their face, for example to scratch an itch, then priorthereto, if they first touch a disinfectant tape located near the person(or associated with other apparel, clothing, helmets, glasses, etc.,then at least the contact can be somewhat determined not to be harmfulin that the disinfectant surface should prevent germs, viruses, bacteriaetc. from coming into contact with the person's face in suchcircumstances.

Still further embodiments are directed towards applications wherespoilage and/or pathogenic bacteria are present and where the methodsand devices set forth herein can be employed to warn individuals orgroups that contacting certain surfaces, for example, one's face, witharticles (e.g. one's hand) that may be contaminated with such undesiredbacteria (or alternatively some other undesired compound, component,toxin, poison or harmful substance) may be imminent. For example,sensors can be provided on food handler's or Chef's hats so that thosewho handle food are aware when their hands might approach their face.

With respect to the description provided herein, it is to be realizedthat the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of theinvention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readilyapparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalentrelationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in thespecification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.Therefore, the descriptions provided herein are considered asillustrative only of the principles of the invention. For example, FIGS.4 and 5 are directed to a baseball cap and sensors can be positioned atvarious places on the hat to achieve the desired purpose. In a preferredembodiment, sensors are positioned in or around the bill of the hat suchthat one or more, preferably at least three sensors, can be used toprovide a focused and predetermined area of interest. Within such area,the presence of a hand approaching a wearer's face can be detected. Suchdetection can be then noted by any number of signals to the wearer suchthat actual contact is prevented due to such warning—or at least thewearer is cognizant of the touching and purposefully decides to carrythrough with such action. One will appreciate that many other articlesof clothing, including a wide variety of hats, caps, headgear, etc. canbe employed with one or more sensors as described in the presentapplication. Moreover, the cumulative effect of signals received or sentby any particular group of sensors can be employed to discriminateamongst signals such that only those occurrences that truly warrant awarning are able to trigger a warning to the user. One of skill in theart will appreciate the various ways to adjust the sensitivity of one ormore sensors to achieve this objective, such as by focusing beams,providing reflective materials that render certain surfaces either moreor less sensitive, etc.

Yet another embodiment of the invention relates to the attachment ofsensors to buttons or other types of closure mechanisms for clothing,especially those near the face or between the face and the hands of aperson. Sensors are now available that are so small and relativelyinexpensive, that certain items can be made to be disposable after apredetermined period of use. FIG. 9 shows both shirt collars and buttonsbeing employed to warn a user of undesired touching of one's face. FIG.10 is directed to a helmet/headgear where sensors are provided atpreselected locations to accomplish the same thing. FIG. 8 is directedto the employment of sensors in glasses, and particularly sunglasses,where sensors can be positioned in the arms, the central frame orelsewhere about the sunglasses to provide the detection function desiredas described herein. Attachable or adhesive articles and devices thatinclude sensors can be used to achieve the general purpose ofpositioning one or more, and preferably a plurality of sensors, in adesired area such that undesired physical contact between a germcontaining component and tissues that may be susceptible of infection,can be determined and avoided. As one will appreciate, since numerousmodifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in theart, upon reading this disclosure, it is not desired to limit theinvention to the exact construction and operation shown and described,and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents which may beresorted to, are considered to be within the scope of this invention.

One particular embodiment of the present invention is directed to aworkspace or vehicle interior environments where one need not have anysensors necessarily directly contacting any apparel, jewelry, hat, etc.in order to still enjoy the advantages attendant to having a warning asto undesired hand to face contact. In such embodiment, for example, seeFIGS. 6 and 7, sensors can be positioned in, on or about furniture, suchas a vehicle seat, chair, a desk, a computer monitor, keyboard, etc. andany one or several of sensors so positioned can be used to focus onparticular conduct that may give rise to undesired infection, such aswhen a person sitting in the chair, especially when at such workstation, brings their hand in close proximity to their face. Forexample, sensors can be used that are associated with a keyboard; amonitor; a desk; an automobile; etc., in such a manner that theindividual can be warned when a certain number of potential or actualcontacts have been made such that the person can take appropriateactions to modify their behavior.

As one of skill in the art will appreciate, various different types ofsensors can be employed for particular uses, environments, situations,etc. For example, while several of the embodiments described hereinutilize proximity sensors that do not necessarily require that aperson's hand or fingers have some separate element associatedtherewith, it will be understood that employment of devices, (e.g. suchas a ring or bracelet with a sensor associated therewith, in combinationwith at least one other element that communicates with such sensors), iswithin the ambit of the present invention. Such dual cooperating devicescan be employed to achieve increased sensitivity so as to limit warningsignals to just those having a predetermined importance.

In another embodiment, a writing pen or instrument (see FIG. 15) isprovided with one or more, preferably at least two, sensors that candetect when a person's hands approach their face within a predetermineddistance. In some embodiments, such devices are not functional foranything but a sensor purpose. Preferably, the sensor is adapted suchthat the level of proximity distance can be adjusted, as well as theemitting or not of a sound, vibration, shock, smell, taste, light or acombination thereof, so as to provide an effective warning or notice toa person about the hand to face contact potential. For example, a penmay have a rotatable feature that adjusts not only the on/off position,but also the sensitivity, proximity signals, duration, type of alarm,etc. of the device.

In most embodiments, it will be advantageous to have the level ofwarning adapted to be increased or decreased depending upon a multitudeof reasons. For example, one may want to delay or reduce the sensitivityof a unit having a sensor if one is engaged in an activity, such ascombing one's hair that would otherwise be perceived by a sensor asindicating inappropriate conduct that could lead to infection by a viralor bacterial source. The prior art does not contemplate the ability tovary the parameters of a signaling device to accommodate this routineand typical occurrence. By not addressing such a concern, the overalluse of sensors to warn individuals can become annoying to such a degreethat the individual abandons its use, thus failing to address thefundamental concern relating to avoiding undesired contamination. Thus,adjustability of the various devices described herein is one aspect ofthe invention that is believed to be especially useful and the variousmanners by which such adjustability can be achieved include, but are notlimited to the following: time and extent of a warning signal; loudness,intensity, or brightness (of a light emission); number of beeps, blinks,shocks or vibrations to reflect a specified number of occurrences,approach of a set limit, etc. or a combination of such physical warningoccurrences in proportion and relation to predetermined events, such asexceeding a number of proximity occurrences between one's hands andface.

In terms of general aspects of how sensors are made and used in variousembodiments of the invention, U.S. Pat. No. 7,126,483 to Zarouri ishereby incorporated in its entirety by this reference. Thus, in oneembodiment, the present invention is directed to a sensor assembly formonitoring movement of an object near the face of a human being, suchsensor assembly including one or more sensors 16 and a signaling unit24. The sensor assembly is particularly useful in monitoring and/orinhibiting contact between the hand(s) and the face of a human being inorder to prevent transmission of diseases and/or to control or altercertain obsessive-compulsive behavior disorders. U.S. Patent Publication2002/0109596 to Phillips; U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,615 to Suzuki et al.; U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,042,155 and 5,449,206 to Lockwood and U.S. Pat. No.7,533,906 to Luettgen are also incorporated in their entireties by thisreference.

In certain embodiments the sensor assembly can emit a sensor patternwhich causes a sensory stimulus to the wearer/user. The size of thesensor assembly may vary depending upon the size of the particular areato be monitored by the sensor assembly and/or for aesthetic reasons. Thesensor assembly can include a computer that interfaces with otherstructures of the sensor assembly to monitor, compile, assimilate,store, receive and/or provide data or other information from or toremote units and/or other structures of the sensor assembly.

The sensor used can include an infrared sensor such as an infraredemitting diode (IRED) or another type of infrared sensor able to detectan obstruction to a signal or rays emitted by the sensor once an objectmoves to within a predetermined distance of the sensor or an areamonitored by the sensor. With this type of sensor, changes in infraredradiation, reflection of infrared radiation back to the sensor, and/orchanges in temperature in a specified area can be detected and/ormonitored in a non-contact manner. The prevalence of sensors, such as infaucet and toilet control for example, renders the variety andavailability of sensors sized for particular uses, to be relatively easyto obtain and select. The sensor preferably can emit one or more signalswithin a pre-determined sensor pattern, such as approximately sixinches. Importantly, the specified distance can be greater or less thansix inches depending upon the reaction time requirements and/or otherrelevant factors, and thus, other non-exclusive examples includespecified distances being about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 12 inches.

The sensor pattern can be planar, can have a curved configuration, oranother suitable configuration and can monitor movement that occurswithin a predetermined distance from the face. It can emit visible orinvisible rays generally from a triggering field of a desiredconfiguration, or may include an ultrasonic sensor, an ultravioletsensor, a Hall-effect sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor,a magnetic sensor, a laser sensor, a heat or temperature sensitivesensor, or an inclination sensor, as non-exclusive examples. The sensorcan detect changes in proximity, distance, position, direction,rotation, velocity, and/or acceleration of a person's hand whenapproaching the person's face.

A lens assembly, such as a Fresnel lens, can be employed in variousembodiments to determine one or more locations that the sensor monitors,such as to focus and/or guide the direction of the sensor to detectmovement within one or more specific positions or sensor patterns. Thelens assembly can also shape, divert, orient, redirect and/or diffusethe sensor pattern in a desired manner.

The type of power source can vary depending upon the design requirementsof the sensor assembly, but may include a battery, a capacitor oranother suitable type of power storage unit.

In one embodiment, the sensor can include an infrared sensor.Alternatively, the one or more sensors can include a directional sensor,a positional sensor, an inclination sensor and/or another suitable typeof sensor. In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, the sensor can bepositioned on or near a chest region, e.g., in a bra, a neck region,e.g., in a scarf, an extremity and/or on or near another body region ofthe user. The sensory signal emitted by the signaling unit can be anaudible sound, a vibration, a visual signal, an electrical impulse, asmall, a taste, a light, a color or another type of stimulus.

In an alternative embodiment, the sensor assembly can include a counter26 instead of or in addition to the signaling unit 24. The counter 26can monitor the number of times that the sensor detects movement of theobject near a specific body region of the person and/or the number oftimes that the signaling unit signals the person that an object is neara specific body region of the person. In one embodiment, the sensorysignal varies from one occurrence to another.

A controller 22 is preferably employed to process information receivedby the sensor, and may include a microprocessor, and can further employunits that can decrease the incidence of a false alarm. A clock device27 can also be used to track the timing (i.e. duration and/or time ofday) of certain selected events, such as when the sensor pattern hasbeen interrupted, the speed of the approaching hand, etc. with enoughnotice to take evasive action to inhibit extremity-to-face contact, forexample, and thereby reduce the likelihood of spreading a virus orbacteria to the mucous membranes in the facial area. A signaling unit 24may be used to emit a continuous audible response once directed by thecontroller, or can signal by other sensory means, such as by usingvibration, electrical impulses or visible light, or combinationsthereof. One or more amplifiers 25 can amplify the signal to ensurebetter communication to the user. A counter 26 to monitor and/or countthe number of times that the signaling unit has been activated may beemployed that includes a digital or electronic readout that a teacher,employer, health care provider, can access. The sensor assembly caninclude or can be connected to an interface used to upload data from thecontroller regarding the number of times the signaling unit has beenactivated over time to a computer or other suitable device forstatistical data analyses, a system of devices that are monitoredholistically, archiving, etc. including generating a histogram thatgraphically illustrates the timing, frequency and duration of theactivation.

An inclination sensor can be employed to monitor the absolute slopeand/or angle of inclination of the sensor and can then be transmitted tothe controller for processing. A first sensor can emit a beam having aspecific wavelength and can be worn at or near the chest region and anactivating material can be a reflective surface worn on the wrist orother extremity of the user such that it would interrupt or otherwisedisturb the beam emitted by the sensor. The sensor sends thisinformation to the controller which processes the information andactivates the signaling unit to warn the user. The frequency, durationand/or decibel level of the auditory signal can vary from one occurrenceto the next; for a vibratory sensory signal, the frequency, durationand/or amplitude of the vibration can be made to vary from oneoccurrence to the next, and so on. With these designs, the likelihoodthat viruses, bacteria and/or other microorganisms will be transmittedfrom the extremities to the face, including the eyes, nose and mouth, isdecreased. As a consequence, the opportunities for the user to contractone or more diseases, such as obesity and cancer, are fewer.

In other applications, the sensor assembly can modify or reverseundesirable behavior, such as trichotillomania, nail-biting, etc.Although the sensor assembly as described herein is particularly usefulfor human beings, it is recognized that it can effectively be utilizedwith domesticated or non-domesticated animals.

A particular aspect of the present invention relates to a system, deviceand method for preventing or reducing the prospect of a person becomingobese due to factors other than mere caloric intact of food. It hasrecently been found that children exposed to adenovirus-36 are morelikely to be obese than were children who had no evidence of such viralinfection. Thus, by employment of certain embodiments of the presentinvention, avoidance of this particular type of virus wards off thevirus from infecting an individual, and thus precludes the opportunityfor the individual to suffer undesired effects thereof, includingobesity. Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a method includesa step of testing whether an individual has already been exposed toadenovirus-36, with such test preferably including detecting thepresence of certain antibodies against such virus. The presence of theantibodies indicates a prior infection with the virus. Individuals whotest negative for such antibodies presumably have not yet been infectedand/or exposed to the virus in a manner that would subject them to thedevelopment of obesity due to the effects of the virus. For thoseindividuals who do not indicate that they have antibodies foradenovirus-36, use of one or more of the present devices as describedherein can significantly reduce the prospect that such individuals willunintentionally infect themselves with such virus, thus avoiding obesityresulting from infection.

Thus, in accordance with one method of the present invention, after adetermination is made that such antibodies are not present, employmentof described devices is called for during at least a predeterminedamount of time so that the individual is at least made more aware ofunintended hand/face contacts during the period when such viralinfections may be most prevalent. One will therefore appreciate that oneaspect of the present invention relates to the appreciation of distinctseasons (often experienced 6 months apart in the different northern andsouthern hemispheres of the globe) where infections, especially byparticular infectious agents, such as adenovirus-36, are more common,and during such seasons, there is an implementation of a program thatincentivizes individuals to employ/wear/adopt various particular devicesas set forth herein (or combinations thereof) to thwart the opportunityof such infections. The individual benefits of not becoming obese in thelong term due to a mere seasonal catching of a cold is significant, butthe societal benefits of reducing the occurrence of obesity is even moresubstantial. Use of the present invention can significantly reduce theadverse consequences of obesity presently experienced by communities,nations and global regions.

One of skill in the art, prior to the present invention, would not haveappreciated that a device, system, kit or method could be employed forthe particular purpose of avoiding obesity-related infectious agents.Various embodiments of the present invention are specifically directedto preventing infection by certain adipogenic adenoviruses, such asAd-36, that are associated with obesity-related cancers. It should beappreciated, however, that infections by particular adenoviruses, inaddition to causative factors with respect to obesity, may further beassociated with various other diseases. Thus, it will be understood thatthe infection by particular viral or bacterial agents may be related toa disease selected from the group consisting of cancer, prostate cancer,breast cancer, pancreatic dysfunction, pancreatic disease, diabetes,insulin resistance, metabolic dysregulation, pulmonary disease,pulmonary dysfunction, brain and nervous system dysfunction, liverdisease, muscle dysfunction, cardiac disease, cardiac dysfunction, gallbladder diseases, hypertension, hyperlipoproteinemia, toxemia duringpregnancy, decreased fertility, gout, arthritis, and adrenaldysfunction.

While adenovirus-36 is particularly noted, the present invention isdirected, in certain aspects, to the testing of whether a particularindividual or group of individuals (e.g. a classroom; a group ofemployees in a particular location, food servers, etc.) have beenexposed to certain undesired agents, with such agents beingpredetermined to be responsible for deleterious effects, including butnot limited to obesity causative agents, cancer causing agents, etc.Testing for the presence of antibodies to particular biologic agents,such as bacterial or viral infections, is one particular way todetermine whether a select population is a candidate for employment ofthe sensors as set forth herein in a manner that would assist inpreventing such individuals/groups from being infected with the samethrough unintended hand contact to one's face. About 30% of obese adultscarry antibodies against adenovirus-36. If the present system, methodand device is employed, it is believed that, in the future,significantly fewer individuals will be infected with such virus andthat the considerable negative side-effects of obesity, including butnot limited to significant health concerns connected to beingover-weight, as well as the individual self-esteem issues associatedtherewith, could be reduced considerably. The development of positivehabits relating to the avoidance of hand-to-face contacts thus not onlycan prevent the effects of flu and colds and the known consequencesthereof, but can also protect an individual or group who employs thedevices/systems/methods of the present invention from the consequencesof viral and bacterial or prion infections that adversely affect longterm consequences that far exceed the mere few sick days of a seasonalflu or cold.

One aspect of the present method therefore does not require more than arelatively short introduction or durational use of one or more of thedevices of the present invention in order to curb prior undesiredconduct. The use of the present devices can fairly quickly establish acognizance of undesired and unintended behavior in a way that employmentof sensors may only be required infrequently to reinforce suchbeneficial conduct. In one embodiment, the method is employed no morethan 3 times in a given 10 day period to establish appreciation ofbehavior patterns and to adjust the same. In other embodiments,different signals are sequentially and/or selectively used to addressundesired face touching behavior.

With respect to particular methods of the present invention, in certainembodiments one first predetermines whether an individual hasanti-bodies to particular agents, such as viruses that may be related toobesity, cancer, etc., and in particular, to adenovirus-36, eitherthrough testing or through assessment of environmental markers. Next,one selects one or more, and preferably at least two, of the devicesotherwise described herein to be worn or otherwise associated with suchindividual for a predetermined time period within a larger time periodthat spans at least a significant portion of the season of adenovirus-36infectious activity. Other steps may include the verification of suchuse of one or more devices and the tabulation of the results or datathat can be gained therefrom for use in making future use of suchsystems and methods more efficient and beneficial.

For example, a school classroom can be tested for the presence ofadenovirus-36 antibodies. Students showing a negative result for thepresence of such anti-bodies are provided with one or more devices toassist in their awareness of when they may be touching their face, withthe emphasis placed on reducing such incidences. A daily, weekly monthlyor seasonal evaluation of such efforts can be monitored. The success ofsuch endeavors can be determined, especially those that have wirelesscommunication system capabilities that enable remote access to datarelating to hand to face incidences. Those students who reveal asignificant number of such incidences may be retrained or re-educated inthe use or employment of such devices to foster better habits designedto preclude opportunities for adnenovirus-36 exposure. Similar to HACCPprograms employed in food processing institutions, the combination ofhealth related practices, e.g. hand cleaning; use of anti-bacterialdevices or formulas; educational presentations where students arerequired to recite back that they understand the practices meant to beemployed, and even sign up to endeavor to use best efforts to employ thesame, coupled with the use of at least one, and preferably at least twoof the devices described herein, can work to substantially reduce theincidence of not only colds and flu, but the advent of obesity in astudent population. The life-long and societal benefits derived fromemployment of such a system and method are considerable and provide asolution to a long sought but as yet unsolved need.

No prior art reference, alone or in combination, clearly andunequivocally discloses the various particular aspects of the presentlyclaimed invention, nor does the prior art direct those skilled in theart to the invention without any need for picking, choosing, andcombining various disclosures not directly related to each other by theteachings of any particular reference. The present inventors havecombined understandings and features that were not appreciated in amanner that enabled those of skill in the art to employ the same in afashion to address significant and longstanding concerns. The presentinventors are the first to establish the links of knowledge and practiceand to, for the first time, enable those skilled in the art to addressthe problems at issue here. This is particularly the case with respectto the novel methods and processes of the present invention directed toobesity and cancer prevention related to particular infections agents.

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a kit thatcontains a test for determining the presence of adenovirus type 36(Ad-36)—and further includes at least one of the various sensor devicesas described herein. Other obesity-related viral detecting agents,however, should be understood to also be encompassed by variousembodiments of the present invention, including particular kits,systems, devices and methods employing the same. These include detectingantibodies for e.g. the avian adenovirus SMAM-1; Ad-5, otheradenoviruses associated with human obesity; and other adipogenicpathogens having a role in human obesity. Specifically, a kit wouldpreferably include a test to detect an adipogenic adenovirus may includeone or more of adenovirus type 5, adenovirus type 36, and adenovirustype 37. Additionally, an “adipogenic adenovirus related disease” asused herein, may include cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer,pancreatic dysfunction, pancreatic disease, diabetes, pulmonary disease,brain and nervous system dysfunction, and adrenal dysfunction. Such akit enables one to test for the presence of anti-bodies to such virus,e.g., and if such test reveals the absence thereof, then the individualmay have increased desire and motivation to employ the sensor devicesand methods of the present invention to avoid being infected with theadnevorus-36 (or other agents) so as to avoid the undesired consequencesof obesity attendant with such infection. While the other beneficialconsequences of using the devices of the present invention may be thatother colds or flu may be avoided, such aspects may be secondary to theprincipal objective of a user in avoiding infection by the adnevirus-36due to its obesity causing aspects. Other patents incorporated herein byreference include U.S. Pat. No. 7,442,511 to Atkinson entitled“Adipogenic adenoviruses as a biomarker for disease”, and Patentpublication No. 20090264356 to Dhurandhar, entitled “Adenovirus 36 E4orf 1 Gene and Protein and Their Uses.” Adenoviral DNA is detected inasymptomatic adult human lymphocytes, and the number of positive cellsincreases with the age of the person. Adenoviruses are non-enveloped DNAviruses that replicate in host cell nucleus. AD36 is one of 50adenoviruses known to infect humans, causing respiratory,gastrointestinal and other problems. Children who were AD36-positiveweighed on average 50 lbs more than those who were AD36-negative.

One aspect of the present invention relates to the relationship betweeninfections with adipogenic adenoviruses, such as, for example,adenovirus-36 (Ad-36), and the etiologies of obesity and obesity-relatedcancers and other diseases. More specifically, one aspect relates to amethod, system and kit for determining whether a person is predisposedto developing an obesity-related disease due to an adipogenic adenovirusbased on the adipogenic adenovirus infection status of the person, andthen, as appropriate (e.g. if tests show that no prior infection hasoccurred, as indicated by the presence or absence of particularanti-bodies) one or more of the sensor technologies described herein isselected for the particular person (in view of age, behavior, pastconduct, temperament, infection related criteria, suitability ofresponding to a signal, etc. to enhance the probability that such personwill not become infected with a particular agent, such as Ad-36. Forexample, the blind would not rely on a light signal; the deaf would notrely on a sound signal, etc.

In other embodiments, before one or more sensors are employed, tumormarkers are detected to gauge the hereditary cancer links to germlinemutations, e.g. such as adenovirus infections in genetically susceptibleindividuals, and/or by assessing expression of various oncogenes orsuppressing expression of tumor suppressor genes due to adenovirusinfections. Such assessments may include determining alterations due toadenoviruses by changes in DNA-dependent protein kinase, fatty acidbinding protein, mTOR, p16, p53, PDZ protein, phosphatidylinositol3-kinase, PML, thymidine kinase, and Zip kinase, tumor related factorsthat are altered by the adenovirus E4 region, and specifically theE4orfl gene, and other genes involved in producing obesity by a directeffect on adipocyte metabolism.

To determine whether an individual is predisposed to developing anobesity-related disease due to an adipogenic adenovirus, one can obtaina sample from a person, and the sample can be assayed to determinewhether the person is infected with the adipogenic adenovirus. Thesample may be a biological sample, such as body fluid, a tissue sample,an organ sample, feces, blood, salvia, and any combination thereof. Ifthe person demonstrates that they have not been previously infected,employment of one or more of the sensor devices set forth herein cansignificantly reduce the prospect that such individual will be infectedin the future, thus significantly reducing the occurrences of undesiredinfection, obesity, cancer, etc. In a particularly preferred embodiment,saliva samples are employed.

Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to acorrelation between the presence of antibodies against certainadenovirus types and the presence of cancer. It is postulated thatsubjects infected with an adipogenic adenovirus will have a moreaggressive cancer relative to a subject not infected with an adipogenicadenovirus, and/or will be associated with a poorer prognosis fortreatment. Incorporated by reference in their entireties on relatedpoints for written description and enablement purposes are thefollowing: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,127,113; 6,664,050, RE39,544 and RE39,914.Ad-36 can be detected in a serum sample taken from a test subject byscreening with a virus neutralization assay as in U.S. Pat. No.RE39,914. Both immunoanalytical and nucleic-acid based techniques can beemployed to detect adenovirus presence and the screening for thepresence of antibodies specific to the adipogenic adenovirus in a sampleis well within the skill of the art. Use of one or more sensors selectedfor an individual is performed by first determining the risk of cancer,and next assessing age, gender or effectiveness of a signaling system(e.g., blind, deaf, etc.).

Another aspect of the present invention pertains to the presumed linkbetween obesity and cancer due to decreased immune function seen inobese individuals and the inhibition of neoplasms. It is believed thatadenoviruses decrease immune function as a way to enhance theirreplication. It is thought they induce cancer by altering expression ofgenes in the host that allow unregulated cell growth to occur. Thepresent invention, in certain embodiments, is therefore particularlydirected to the substantial preclusion of sufficient infection causingquantities of adipogenic adenoviruses, such as Ad-36, to come intocontact with an individual's face via hand contact, thus reducing theoccurrence of not only obesity, but also adenovirus infectionsassociated with obesity-related cancers, such as breast and prostatecancers. The adipogenic adenovirus screened for may include adenovirustype 5, adenovirus type 35, and adenovirus type 37, or a combinationthereof. Additionally, the cancer may include breast, prostate, uterus,ovary, colon, kidney, pancreas, and lung.

Hampering progress, with the help of Rome, has been the task of theComplex. In the right hands, the shield becomes the sword that will savemillions of subjects. Four elements one must secure; To provide the giftthat will endure; Growth of cancer cells will be kibosh; By mixing gum,mushrooms, water lilies and black cohosh.

In addition to wearing the sensor devices as described herein, after oneis determined not to be infected with an adipogenic adenovirus, anadditional step of preventing related diseases may further involve theadministering of an anti-adipogenic adenovirus vaccine to the subject.An anti-adipogenic adenovirus vaccine may include an effective dose ofan active ingredient such as a killed adenovirus type 36, an inactivatedadenovirus type 36, a protein or peptide sequence encoding an adenovirus36 coat protein or fragment thereof, a nucleic acid sequence encoding anadenovirus type 36 coat protein or a fragment thereof, an adenovirustype 36 E1A protein, a genetically modified non-pathogenic virus, and anon-pathogenic virus. Such a vaccine may be administered to the subjectintranasally, orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneouslyand/or peritoneally.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for firstdetermining cancer aggressiveness in a subject, followed by providingthe subject with one or more sensor articles as described herein todeter future infection by cancer causing agents that are transmittedfrom one's hands to their face. The methodology may include obtaining asample from the subject and determining whether the subject is infectedwith an adipogenic adenovirus by screening for the presence ofantibodies specific to the adipogenic adenovirus in the sample anddetermining the presence of antibodies specific to the adipogenicadenovirus such that the presence of the adipogenic adenoviruscorrelates with an aggressive cancer. The antibodies may be specific toone or more peptides encoded by the nucleic acid sequences SEQ ID NO.:5,SEQ ID NO.:6, and SEQ ID NO.:7. Furthermore, the screening step may beperformed by using a method selected from the group consisting of serumneutralization assay and ELISA. Subjects may be a human or an animal andsamples may be a biological sample, such as body fluid, a tissue sample,an organ sample, feces, blood, salvia, and any combination thereof.

One other aspect of the present invention is directed to sensing systemsand methods employed while one is either at work or in a transportationvehicle. For example, by using an on-board vehicle system each driverand/or passenger in a car could get help to prevent possible exposure tohand-based bacteria or viruses, etc. Thus, in one embodiment, a motorvehicle, especially a passenger vehicle such as an automobile, a van,and even a boat, can be adapted so that the time spent in the vehiclecan be utilized more efficiently and the interaction of the vehicle withthe driver and/or passenger can be arranged so that undesiredhand-to-face contacts can be minimized. Incorporated herein by referenceis U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,111 to Kriger entitled “Vehicle with on-boardoverweight and obesity preventing system and method,” which providesdetails as to the implementation of vehicle based systems that can beused to employ particular embodiments of the present system and method.

Yet a further aspect of the present invention relates to methods andsystems for addressing the devastating consequences of certain OCDbehaviors, such as thrichotilomamnia, CSP, nail biting, nose pickingetc. The disclosed devices herein can be used to address such OCDbehaviors without employment of microprocessors, counters etc., and invarious embodiments, such devices can either involve sensors hidden injewelry or clothing, as well as being associated with other products(e.g. writing pens, etc.) that have not been employed in the past totreat such behaviors. Trichotillomania is a disease that affects as muchas 2% of the population. It is characterized by the recurrent pullingout of one's eyebrows, eyelashes, or hair. While both behavioral therapyand medications have been previously employed, the latter is lessdesired as it has been found that the medication route tends to failafter 3 months of treatment. Prior art systems tend to rely on countingthe times a person engages in the undesirable behavior and record it ona counter that is worn on the wrist. In contrast, the present inventioncan be employed by using an active device that senses when the behavioris occurring, notifies the patient that it is occurring with anauditory, visual or vibratory signal and automatically records theoccurrence. This device can therefore be used to prevent the behaviorfrom occurring and also can be used to modify the behavior by providingfeedback to the patient and therapist. In particular, the provision ofat least two or more sensors in a brimmed hat is viewed as particularlyeffective for the treatment of such disorders.

One will appreciate that this summary of the Invention is not intendedto be all encompassing and that the scope of the invention nor itsvarious embodiments, let alone the most important ones, are necessarilyencompassed by the above description. One of skill in the art willappreciate that the entire disclosure, as well as the incorporatedreferences, pictures, etc. will provide a basis for the scope of thepresent invention as it may be claimed now and in future applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a depiction of one type of sensor having a power source,controller, signaling unit, clock, amplifiers and a counter.

FIG. 2 is a chart showing the hand to face contacts in experiments wherethe number of times individuals touched their face without and with thesensor was recorded.

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of the invention where a baseball cap isprovided with at least one sensor to detect hand to face contacts.

FIG. 4 is another view of a baseball cap provided with sensor(s) todetect hand to face contacts.

FIG. 5 shows a chair provided with sensor(s) that are positioned andfashioned in a manner such that an individual sitting in such chair cantrack hand to face contacts.

FIG. 6 shows a typical office sitting arrangement where an individual atsuch a work station is able to have hand to face contacts recognizedthrough the employment of sensors positioned at various areas withinsuch work space.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment where sensor(s) are provided in associationwith a pair of glasses.

FIG. 8 shows a shirt where sensors can be positioned in various areas,such as on buttons, shirt collars, etc.

FIG. 9 shows a helmet provided with one or more sensors to detect handto face contacts.

FIG. 10 shows a necklace having a senor associated therewith.

FIG. 11 shows a bracelet having one or more infrared sensitivecomponents associated therewith.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 shows a necklace of one embodiment of the invention with asensor associated therewith as it would be worn by a user.

FIG. 14 shows a pen embodiment of the invention with sensors located atone end of the pen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the invention are now described with reference tothe figures. The embodiments of the present invention, as generallydescribed and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged anddesigned in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, thefollowing more detailed description of several exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention, as represented in the figures, is not intended tolimit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merelyrepresentative of some of the embodiments of the invention.

The word “exemplary” or “preferred” is used herein to mean “serving asan example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described hereinas “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments.

As used herein, the terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,”“the embodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “someembodiments,” “certain embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “anotherembodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but not necessarily all)embodiments of the disclosed invention(s),” unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on,” unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describesboth “based only on” and “based at least on.”

In the following description of preferred embodiments of the device andmethod of employment thereof, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way ofillustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand structural changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention and any and all changes or adaptations which maybe made by those skilled in the art, are considered to be within thescope of the claimed device and method.

A wide variety and types of sensors can be used. For example, but not ina limiting fashion, one may employ proximity sensors that measuredistances without requiring physical contact with the object beingmeasured. Proximity sensing utilizes various forms of technology. Allproximity sensors emit a field, and an object, often called the target,triggers the sensor when it enters the field. The type of target objectdictates the kind of proximity sensor you need. Inductive proximitysensors are ideal for metallic objects while capacitive sensors detectnon-metallic objects. Proximity sensors are frequently used in thesecurity industry to control access door and gates, as well as inindustrial machinery applications. Sensors typically detect apredetermined distance, called the nominal range, although some sensorsallow the nominal range to be adjusted. An inductive proximity sensoroperates by setting up a radio frequency field with an oscillator and acoil. When an object enters the radio frequency field, the sensordetects the alteration in the field. Inductive proximity sensors areused in various applications, including security, machine and processcontrol, level detection and valve position.

Microwave proximity sensors aren't inhibited by distance or physicalbarriers. A microwave proximity sensor detects moving targets and can doso from great distances and through walls. The sensors are also used forsecurity, as well as in applications such as paper making and textiles.A capacitive proximity sensor detects the distance between the sensor'sface plate and the target object. The sensor's plate and the objectfunction as the two capacitors, and the capacitance varies inverselywith the distance between the capacitors. The operator sets the value atwhich the proximity sensor is triggered. Capacitive proximity sensorsare capable of detecting both metallic and non-metallic targets.

Capacitive sensors most commonly function as an open capacitor. Acapacitor can be best described as two conductors at differentpotentials, separated by an insulating material. In the capacitivesensor, these two plates, housed in the sensing head, are placed in aposition such that they operate like an open capacitor. They use the airas an insulator: at rest there is little capacitance between the twoplates. Like inductive sensors, these plates are linked to anoscillator, a Schmitt Trigger and an output amplifier. As a targetenters the sensing range, the capacitance of the two plates increases,resulting in a change in the amplitude of the oscillator, which in turnchanges the Schmitt Trigger state, thus creating an output signal. Thereare differences between inductive and capacitive sensors: the inductivesensor oscillates until the target is present while the capacitive doesnot start oscillating until the target is present. This operatingprinciple does make the capacitive sensor a bit slower than an inductivesensor, ranging from 10 to 50 Hz. Many capacitive sensors are tubular indesign with common sizes ranging from 12 to 30 mm in diameter with otherhousing styles available. Housing materials are usually metal and/orplastic (PBT). These are also available in shielded and unshieldedmounting versions as well as normally open and normally closed. If thesensor is capable of operating as both normally open and normally closedit is said to have a “Complimentary Output.” Magnetic proximity sensorsare non-contact units and can be placed away from the extreme conditionsthey are monitoring. The units detect distance by using Hall effectprinciples, inductance and variable reluctance.

Preferred embodiments use sensors that have a range suitable for useswhere the touching of a hand to a face of a person can be appropriatelyadjusted so as not to include other arm movements that would not likelycause the same risk of hand/face contact. One of skill in the art willappreciate that sensors having the physical and signal producingattributes as set forth herein can be employed for one or more specificembodiments hereof. Various appropriate sensors can be obtained fromDigi Key to suit particular purposes and embodiments of the presentinvention. Transmission of signals may be by conventional wired orwireless communication using WiFi, Bluetooth, or Infrared signalscommunicating the user movements, proximity, etc.

Sensors can be associated in various embodiments with jewelry—such asrings, piercings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, belts, bras, articlesthat wrap around one's waist, hats, caps, snow sports apparel, etc.Applications of the sensor units can be used, however, for all forms ofhuman endeavor, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art,including various use with sports teams—helmets—lacrosse, football,soccer, etc.

In certain embodiments, sensors can be used that recognize attributes ofhuman tissue and thus are not triggered unless human tissue is present.Alternatively, sensors can be used in other embodiments (where glovesare to be worn). In such embodiments, an alarm and/or a recorder ofsignals can recognize differences in signals so that more accurateactual and/or potential contacts are noted.

The weight of devices employed is preferably small to facilitateinconspicuous uses. Thus, weight is preferably minimal, which equateswith power sources being preferably selected from watch batteries, AAA,AA, C, D, 9 volt, camera, lithium, etc. of small size and weight. Inpreferred embodiments, watch batteries are used to power one or more ofthe sensors. Some embodiments, such as those depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7,however, may not be confined by the use of small and light powersources. As such, the use of far more powerful components can beemployed in such embodiments, including those associated with hearingaids.

Solar powered sensors can be used in a garment, hat, etc. to either runor recharge the sensors employed. The sensors can be associated with awide variety of warning devices, with warnings including:light—different colors, intensity, led's, at least three differentcolors to indicate one of severity, duration, alarm and/or strength,sound, music, vibrations, shocks, smells, tastes, or a combination ofany of the above.

Sensors may be employed to track and record the frequency of events suchthat a person can determine the cause therefore after the fact,especially if the conduct is separately recorded, e.g. via digital ortape recording. This permits one to fashion a training tool andprocedure such that desired conduct is encouraged through abio-feedback-like scenario. One can use devices that also record thelength of contact, number of contacts in a predetermined time frame,etc. Jewelry with sensors can be used that actually changes appearancedue to the number of contacts such that one can determine after a setperiod of time how often they may have triggered the sensor, even ifaudible or visual cues were not provided during actual use. In such amanner, the annoyance that may be associated with certain sensors can beavoided, and yet a follow up review of the number of contacts betweenhands and face can be determined in order to assess whether othermeasures should be taken. In various embodiments specialized jewelry ismanufactured having one or more sensors such that a person's handproximity can be detected. In other embodiments, suitable sensors can beattached to separate items that have reversibly attachable sensors sothat such sensors can be attached for certain time periods or occasionsand later detached. Thus, in one embodiment, sensors having adhesivecomponents are provided in a package, preferably more than one in apackage, so that a person can contact the sensor with a piece ofjewelry, article of clothing (e.g., bra, hat, etc.) that is proximatethe person's face and in a position such that undesired hand-to-facecontact can be detected. Sensor related items may also have contactportions having anti-viral components, either Purell impregnatedliquids, touchable materials.

As stated above, certain embodiments employ disposable sensor units.Others can be adapted with feathers so the sensor/recording device canbe inserted directly into a computer USB port, such as a flash drivehook up, to easily provide downloaded data into computer databases.Thus, various units may be associated with a flash drive to record andtrack information to gauge successful use, compliance, etc. Sensors canbe used of varying levels of complexity, such as those employed in TVremotes, which are capable of providing a variety of more detailed andvaried possibilities with respect to modifying parameters as desired.Vibrating modes can be selected to avoid undesired noise or visualsignals, thus maintaining a degree of privacy for a user.

Certain aspects of the invention are directed to a scoring system thatalso records hand washings, anti-bacterial soap use, nostril treatments,gargling, etc. in addition to physical contact between hands and face,thus providing a more detailed view of contamination sources, avoidance,etc. For example, teachers can use classroom competitions to see awelcomed reduction in hand to face contacts, which should directlytranslate to less sickness, fewer missed days of school, fewer sick daysfor parents, and thus, an overall tremendous economic, as well ashealth, benefit. Schools can utilize certain embodiments of the presentinvention to effectively inculcate positive and desired habits ofchildren such that contact between hands and faces can be measured,determined and certain statistics can be derived to determine whetherprecautionary measures that may have been employed are deemed effective.

As children most often infect parents and parents then communicatediseases to work areas, it is particularly important that children havegood habits enforced and bad habits broken. Use of the present inventioncan achieve such goals, often without having extended periods of use.For example, as FIG. 3 demonstrates, the very use of a sensor thatindicates hand-to-face contact can significantly avert one from touchingone's face in an otherwise inadvertent manner. Such cognizance of thefrequency of face toughing habits is long lasting—even after removingthe sensor. Thus, even sporadic uses of the devices of the presentinvention may have long term beneficial effects. One aspect of thepresent invention is therefore a method where devices described hereinare not used but once a week for a period of 3 weeks, preferably 4weeks, and even more preferably at least 5 weeks, thus forming a basisto gauge progress in reducing undesired touching of one's face.Thereafter, one may use the device to gauge compliance with certaindesired or acceptable levels of touching.

In certain embodiments, the use of cell phone, so ubiquitous in ourculture, can be used to signal, power, record and/or otherwiseincorporate various aspects of the present invention. Ipods, iphone-likedevices, etc. can have applications that make it easy for a user to havehand to face contacts recorded so that such data can be appreciated andused to reduce undesired contact. Thus, in one embodiment, one or moresensors communicate with a cell phone of a user to record or convey suchdata. Twitter and related social communication systems can be employedto transmit data related to the use of the variety of sensor devicesdescribed herein.

In one embodiment, the sensors interact with and transmit information toa visual device being viewed by the person, such as computer screens andTVs. For example, one embodiment involves hand-face contact being notedon the viewing screen in real time so that the person, who mightotherwise not be cognizant of the fact or frequency of hand-facecontact, can visualize the same. A worker in an office environment whospends the majority of their working day in front of a computer screencan be advised as to the number of times they touch their face, e.g., bya picture-in-a-picture small screen camera shot of themselves. By notingsuch behavior, they can then attempt to constrain such activity and formbetter habits that will result in health benefits being achieved.Sensors can also be employed to communicate with computer screens beforewhich a person may sit. In certain embodiments, the person's hands canbe imaged in a fashion on such screen such that the person is cognizantwhen a hand contacts the person's face. In addition to or instead ofjust imaging the contact, a signal, such as a sound, smell, vibration,shock, light, or other warning can be communicated to the person.

All electronic parts in the units used in the present invention may besealed to prevent water intrusions using conventional means. Electricalpower for the sensors, recorders, microprocessors, controllers, etc. maybe provided by conventional batteries or low power transformers, asappropriate. Communication of signals from sensors to a computer, from acontroller to other computers, etc. may be wired but are preferablyperformed by wireless means.

As some sensors require considerable power requirements, it is oftenadvantageous to have at least one component capable of carrying moreweight, such as components that have the ability to have larger batteryunits installed without detracting from the overall desired style andfunctional attributes of certain embodiments. For example, sunglassescan be fitted with cavities that can accommodate one or severalbatteries in a manner that the user does not object to the additionalweight and volume by such batteries. Without intending to be limiting,batteries can be provided along the ear engaging portions of sunglassesand/or elsewhere in the frame, such as near the nose supporting regions.

In certain embodiments, the sensor can be focused to achieve directionalsensing. In one embodiment, spectacles and/or sunglasses are providedwith a sensor that interacts with another sensor provided in a ring ofat least one hand. See e.g. FIG. 8. For example, in an embodiment wherea sensor is positioned in the nose region of sunglasses, the sensor beamthat “sees” either a hand approaching from a plane generally below aplane at or below the eye brows of an individual, can be focused todetect movement, heat, another sensor, etc. associated with a wearer'shands. In one embodiment, sunglasses incorporate two spaced sensorsfocused on a region within 12 inches of a person's face.

Ear bud sensors may be provided having the ability to detect theposition of a person's hands, such as by either by detecting a braceletor ring on one or both hands. Blue-tooth technology is particularlyuseful in various embodiments of the invention so as to minimize the useof wires and other connections that could interfere practically with theemployment of the present systems and methods described herein. In oneparticular embodiment, such as one employing two ear bud sensors, atriangulation situation is provided with the third senor beingassociated with a person's hands with a sensor thereon. Other suchtriangulation scenarios will be apparent to one of skill in the art, butinclude a combination of any of three sensors being positioned in theimmediate region of a person's body, such as: a belt, an earring, anecklace, ring, sunglasses, shoe, bra, shirt pants, apparel, hat, tie,etc. The work station embodiment shown in FIG. 7 can also be adapted totriangulate signals for such purpose.

It is appreciated that gender differences and the willingness or desireto wear jewelry, such as a necklace, by males and females maynecessitate that other means of providing a sensor in the desired areaor proximity of the face should be considered. For example, FIGS. 4 and5 are directed to caps that men may feel more comfortable in wearing,rather than some forms of jewelry. FIG. 8 is directed to glasses thatemploy sensors; FIG. 9 employs sensors on shirts and/or buttons; FIG. 10shows sensors associated with helmets/headgear; and FIG. 15 shows theuse of sensors on a writing instrument. More than one of these can beused at the same time to further insure that a person is appropriatelywarned of undesired hand/face potential contacts. One aspect of thecertain embodiments relates to the ability to vary the proximitysensitivity for different environments and circumstances. For example,for different sized individuals, it may be preferred to have theproximity distance be adjusted to between 6 inches and 12 inches. Forothers, a longer or shorter distance may be desired. Thus, certainembodiments of the invention have tuner knobs, buttons etc. that can beemployed to adjust proximity sensitivity, distance, focus, number ofsensors being correlated, types, frequency or duration of signals, etc.

In yet another embodiment, the sensor employed is an IR sensor such thata beam is reflected back to a receiving sensor when an object is withinthe proximity region. The receiver then conveys a signal to a sound orlight or vibrational unit, thus warning the user of such event. Othersensors may employ, for example heat detection, such that merely theheat of the individual's hand is sufficient to trigger the sensor. Incertain embodiments sensors are utilized that require at least twoseparate components that communicate with each other. In otherembodiments, however, sensors are employed that stand alone and can betriggered either by movement, by heat, by light interference patterns,etc. Preferably, sensors are employed using alarm systems that involveone or more of the following: sound, light, movement, vibration,electrical shock, or sense of smell.

Uses of the invention include those designed for use in airports andairplanes, which might employ reusable and/or disposable embodiments forair carrier versions that could be provided in seat for use bypassengers. Sensors can also include spray detectors to detect sneezesor audible sensors to detect coughs, with such audible components tonedto gauge events that may spell trouble for those susceptible to catchinga disease, such as those with reduced immune responses. Such attributescan be in addition to the proximity sensors described herein.

Transmission of data collected from sensors and conveyed to remoteareas, such as classrooms, so that a teacher can gauge conduct andhabits of classroom as a whole, is made possible to evaluate whethercertain precautions are beneficial, cost effective, etc. A city wide,state wide, and/or country wide assessment of disease spread may becritically important to evaluate global reduction of undesired hand toface touching events, which directly translates into a reduction inoverall sickness of a community. The present invention makes possiblethe recording of hand to face touching information, tabulation of dataand results, which can then be communicated to health centers todetermine other possible precautionary measures. Such data, for example,may be employed by those involved in determining when, how much, whattype, etc. of medications or other intervention measures may be requiredto forestall undesired consequences associated with impeding viraldiseases, such as pandemics. The number of hand-face contacts can beused to gauge the potential for impeding health concerns as there is adirect correlation between the number of times a person touches his orher face and the occurrence of diseases communicated through physicalcontact between hands and face.

Components of the present invention can be combinable with shoes forbattery storage or to permit use of more powerful sensors. One canemploy sensors that, instead of proximity to one's face, rely on it isdistance from hand to foot—such that the sensor warns when certain handdistances are exceeded, which equate with one touching their face.Components can be adjustable to different distances to accommodatedifferent jewelry, body size and clothing of a wearer, or size ofindividual. Triangulation between sensors and targets may be used toappropriately focus areas of interest such as hand to face contacts.

In certain embodiments, bar coded information can be employed onjewelry, clothing, imbedded in material, etc. such that sensors can beemployed that can read and track such codes for further use andevaluation. These types of readers, scanners, etc. may be used with, orinstead of, proximity sensors.

One aspect of the invention can be employed in several differentembodiments and includes the provision of certain IR sensitive materialto rings, bracelets, appliqués, pins, Velco™-attachable items, etc. thatcan be associated with a person's hands fingers, etc. For example,GloTape™ is an infrared (IR) reflective material intended for the covertcombat identification of troops, vehicles and equipment. To the nakedeye, GloTape™ appears to be similar to black duct tape in both textureand finish without a visible reflective glow. When illuminated with aninfrared diode, however, GloTape™ gives a bright reflection. The brightreflection renders the sensitivity of any device otherwise employed tobe increased. The IR sensitive material referenced hereinabove can beemployed on certain portions of a person's gloves, for example, skigloves, warm weather gear, etc. when bare hands are not involved, asharmful viruses can come into contact with a person's face throughcontact with a gloved hand.

Appliqués can be employed in various embodiments of the invention to addor detract from the sensitivity of the sensors used. For example, incertain embodiments, one may use a sensor that is too sensitive forcertain situations, such that the person may desire to decrease suchsensitivity in certain regions where the sensor would otherwise betriggered. In such circumstances, counter-signals can be employed todiscriminate between contact with a person's face that one desires towarn against, and other contact, such as combing or brushing one's hair,where such close proximity of a person's hand may be desired withouttriggering the sensor's warning.

In other embodiments, an appliqué(which can be attachable via adhesive,hook-and-loop complimentary (Velcro™ devices), snapped, buttoned, sewed,etc. can be used to increase the sensitivity of the hand-to-faceinteraction sought to be detected to warn the person of the same.

Sensors of particular embodiments of the invention can be contacted withjewelry that a person may already own. In such embodiments, sensors canbe provided with the sensors already attached or incorporated into theitem, such as jewelry (e.g. necklace, pin, earrings, sensors hidden infacial hair such as a mustache or beard, etc.) Retrofit kits for jewelryor other articles is therefore within the scope of the presentinvention.

In other embodiments, a combination of warning signals can be used. Forexample, a low powered LED can be used in combination with an adjustablesound alarm such that a person can select whether they want both type ofwarnings, or just one or a plurality of warnings using one or moresenses. In a particular embodiment a hat brim is facilitated with alight that is viewable preferably only by the wearer thereof that lights(or alternatively, turns off, dims, blinks, etc. a light) when a hand-toface contact is about to occur.

Certain clothing can be adapted with sensors where one may not desire towear jewelry. For example, a collar can be fitted with one or moresensors to detect when an undesired hand proximity to the face occurs.Such sensors can be positioned into existing areas that facilitatecollar stays and some embodiments employ two sensors (one for eachcollar stay). Collar stay sensor devices can be sold separately toreplace existing regular stays (such as when a shirt is laundered), thuspermitting sensors to be reused, recharged, facilitated with a newbattery, etc. before continued use. Such stay-like devices can similarlybe employed on other items of clothing, such as headwear (e.g. hats,helmets—especially ski-helmets, football, lacrosse, etc. protectivegear), coat collars, etc. due to their slim nature and ability to placesuch devices inside pockets that can be provided in such apparel.

Still other embodiments of the present invention include the use of oneor more sensors on items closely associated with a person. Thus, inaddition to the sunglasses depicted in the Figures, one will appreciatethat reading glasses, goggles, other eye-protecting devices, etc. can befitted with one or more sensors. Sensors can also be incorporated intoearrings, piercings, etc. for either sex. Dental implants, capped teeth,dentures, braces, implants, retainers, etc. can be provided with one ormore sensors to achieve one or more purposes as set forth in thisdescription. Hearing aids can also be provided with sensors in a fashionthat provides for such sensors to run off of the power sources used withsuch hearing aid devices. Wigs, toupees and hair extensions can beprovided with sensors to not only provide the positioning of the sensorssuitable for deterring viral, cold, etc. exposure, but specifically toaddress certain OCD behaviors, such as hair pulling, etc. When used insuch embodiments, the sensors can be camouflaged appropriately to hidetheir presence in such structures. Sensors can even be provided inassociation with fake fingernails, rings, including particularly collegeand high school graduation rings (e.g. because such devices would thenbe naturally directed to curb the behavior patterns of young adults soas to encourage life-long good habits, prior to becoming too old and setin one's ways.)

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide particularlydirected negative feedback to a user to curb OCD behavior, includingpoor eating habits. Thus, in addition to the sound, visual and vibrationsignals, in some embodiments, the sense of smell can be employed toassist in the signaling, either alone or in combination with one or moreof the other sensed signals. For example, in one embodiment, anunpleasant, and/or foul smelling agent can be released when one or moreevents occur. Alternatively, pleasant smells may be emitted topositively reinforce desired behavior. In certain embodiments, a sensorassembly may be adjustable by the user so that a certain minimum numberof events may trigger the signal to the user. Such adjustability mayinclude the choice of what particular type of signal is provided (e.g.whether it be based on one or more of visual, sound, smell, taste ortouch-based); what frequency, duration, severity, longevity, etc. isprovided for either all such predetermined events—or a set number ofevents prior to a or series of (same or different) signals beingproduced.

Many of the embodiments of the present invention are particularlydirected to sensors being associated with a person's immediate body. Insome embodiments, however, the sensors can be positioned remote from aperson's immediate body while still achieving desired signaling andconduct-effecting behavior. For example, in addition to the office deskand vehicle environments elsewhere described herein, sensors can also bepositioned around food storage places, such as a refrigerator, pantry,etc. such that the opening of the same could trigger a signal, such asan unpleasant sound, light, color, smell, vibration, etc., thuspositively affecting the eating habits of individuals or groups.

One will appreciate that signals can be selected due to either positiveor negative attributes. Thus, in one embodiment, a scent signal may beselected having a smell that is designed to curb one's appetite. Stillother scents may be selected that have more unpleasant features,enforcing the objective of having one avoid a habitual behavior bymaking such conduct highly undesirable to the person, while attemptingto keep such unpleasant aspects from other individuals in the same spaceas the individual having the sensor.

Preferably, the sensors are adjustable such that various distances canbe selected by the wearer to account for different situations. Forexample, if a person is at a desk where their hands may be at table toplevel or if a person is reading a book, the distance selected for whenthe sensor will trigger an alarm may be set at a shorter distance thanother times. In this manner, irritation with warnings due to handproximity that is not directed toward a touching of the person's face,can be reduced and/or accommodated.

In still other embodiments, sensors can be incorporated or attached to ahead covering, such as a baseball cap (e.g. in the brim) such that theproximity of a wearer's hands to the face region can be detected. In oneparticular embodiment, a baseball cap is provided with at least twosensors, more preferably 3 or more, and even more preferably more than 4sensors (see FIG. 4 where 8 sensors are pictured) that can be positionedsuitably around the brim such that coverage of detection of undesiredhand proximity can be determined. Indeed, in one embodiment, two or moresensors can be programmed to combine their signals such that only when asuitable and predetermined signal level is decocted, the warning iscommunicated to the wearer or other recording device. Thus, one of skillin the art will appreciated how to use a plurality of sensors eachhaving a sensitivity that alone may not trigger a signal warning butwhen two or more signals are combined and detected, the warning can betriggered.

A controller can be used, which may include an accelerometer or othermotion sensor, to provide input to a computer to generate and record andprocess other information useful in evaluation of, for example, thenumber, extent, longevity, qualitative and quantitative aspects ofparticular contacts between a person's hands and face.

The present invention is not limited in its application to the detailsof construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth inthe description provided or illustrated in the drawings. The inventionis capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried outin various ways which will become obvious to those skilled in the artwho read this specification. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting of the invention inany fashion.

In a preferred embodiment, every ½ second or so the device sends out aone millisecond burst of infrared pulses at 38 khz. It then looks forreturned reflected signal. If the signal is detected at sufficientstrength, it triggers a 600 hz signal to the speaker for one second. Itthen repeats the process.

One will appreciate that the above describes a simple loop. In otherembodiments, the microcontroller employed can be quite powerful andversatile, such that other functions and features could easily be added.For example, in certain embodiments, only a few beeps are emitted and itthen stops signaling for a while to make the device less irritable tothe user. In other embodiments, a data stream is sent to another device.In still other embodiments, the number of detections over a period oftime is recorded, either remotely or in proximity to the personassociated with the sensor.

The more software functions added, the higher the battery drain. In oneembodiment, the average power usage is 3 milliamps at 4.2 volts. Such adevice can be expected to work effectively from 3.8 to 5 volts, but thesensitivity it is somewhat dependent on the battery voltage, so ifdifferent batteries are used, one may experience the device triggeringat a longer range.

In one particular embodiment, certain components of the invention are asfollows:

Infrared Light Emitting Diode (IR-LED): Fairchild QEC122 (DigikeyQEC122-ND) 38 KHz Infrared Receiver for Remote Control: Ever lightEL-IRM-8601S-1 (Mouser 638-IRM-8601S-1).

Speaker: can be a generic miniature speaker used as a signaling devicein a myriad of consumer devices. There are numerous different physicalshapes and sizes of these and most will work in this application. Thereare also “Piezoelectric” devices for this application that are verysmall, though they are more expensive.

Microcontroller: in one embodiment, a device includes a microcontrollersuch as the Parallax SX20. There are hundreds of different kinds ofmicrocontrollers available on the market that will be understood assuitable. Two of the largest manufacturers of microcontrollers are TexasInstruments and Microchip and one who makes particular products inaccordance with the invention may have their own preference based onprogramming issues. Preferably, the Texas Instruments MSP430 chipavailable from the manufacturer (www.TI.com) or from Mouser(www.mouser.com) can be favorably employed.

One will appreciate that the use of the term “sensor” in certainembodiments refers to the combination of one or more of such components.As shown in the drawings and described in detail herein disclosesarrangements of elements of particular construction and configurationfor illustrating preferred embodiments of structure and method ofoperation of the present invention. The methods disclosed hereincomprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the describedmethod. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with oneanother without departing from the scope of the present invention. Inother words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required forproper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specificsteps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

With respect to various kit embodiments, the following patents areincorporated herein by this reference to demonstrate the various ways toconstruct kits of the present invention: U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,873 toHale; U.S. Pat. No. 7,829,347 to Song; U.S. Pat. No. 7,829,673 to DeWeeds et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,785,773 to Anderson et al. al. In oneparticular embodiment, a kit includes a detection probe conjugated witha first specific binding member that is conFig.d to preferentially bindto the test analyte; calibration probes conjugated with a secondspecific binding member that is conFig.d to preferentially bind to acalibration analyte; and a lateral flow assay device on which thedetection probes and calibration probes are disposed, the lateral flowassay device preferably including a porous membrane that has a detectionzone in which is immobilized a first receptive material, the firstreceptive material being conFig.d to preferentially bind to the testanalyte; an indicator zone in which is immobilized a second receptivematerial, the second receptive material being conFig.d to preferentiallybind to uncomplexed conjugated detection probes; and a calibration zonein which is immobilized a third receptive material, the third receptivematerial being conFig.d to preferentially bind to the calibrationanalyte. The lateral flow device may further comprising a conjugate padin fluid communication with the porous membrane and a sample pad that ispositioned upstream from the conjugate pad.

Experiments

As depicted in FIG. 3, four individuals where videotaped for a 15 minuteperiod without being informed as to what the purpose of such videotapingso as not to influence otherwise normal activities. The same individualswere later videotaped with a sensor hanging around their necks as anecklace for another 15 minute time period. Cart 1 displays the resultsthat individuals generally resisted touching their faces when wearingthe sensor about half as many times as they previously had when they didnot wear the sensor.

While specific embodiments and applications of the present inventionhave been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited to the precise configuration and componentsdisclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations whichwill be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in thearrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of thepresent invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily beutilized as a basis for designing of other structures, methods andsystems for carrying out the several purposes of the present inventionto instruct and encourage the avoidance of hand to face contact, thuslessening the opportunity for bacterial or virus contact with tissuesthat could lead to disease. It is important, therefore, that the claimsbe regarded as including any such equivalent construction insofar asthey do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for preventing infection by a virus,comprising: at least two spaced apart hand movement sensors enabled todetect when a person's hand is near the person's face; an IRED/infraredemitting device adapted to emit a signal, said IRED/infrared emittingdevice being operatively associated with said at least two spaced aparthand movement sensors; a controller with a microprocessor to detectoutputs of said at least two spaced apart hand movement sensors ofdetected movements adapted to monitor movement of a hand of a personwithin at least 12 inches from the face of the person, said controllerwith said microprocessor to detect outputs of said at least two spacedapart hand movement sensors of detected movements operatively associatedwith said at least two spaced apart hand movement sensors, such thatwhen said at least two spaced apart hand movement sensors are triggeredby a person's hand, said IRED/infrared emitting device emits said signalto warn a person that their hand is in the proximity of their face; anda recording transmitter for communicating from said at least two spacedapart hand movement sensors to a recording device that records theoccurrence of said signal to indicate the number of hand-to-facecontacts by said person, thereby reducing the risk that virus relatedinfections will be acquired by said person, wherein said at least twospaced apart hand movement sensors are incorporated into one of abaseball cap, eye glasses and a button employed as a closure mechanismfor clothing so that said two spaced apart hand movement sensors are notin contact with the person's skin.
 2. The device as set forth in claim1, wherein said IRED/infrared emitting device is adjustable with respectto an intensity of said signal.
 3. The device as set forth in claim 1,wherein said emitted signal produces a sensory signal consisting of anelectric shock.
 4. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidemitted signal produces a sensory signal selected from the groupconsisting of a sound, a light and an electric shock.
 5. The device asset forth in claim 1, wherein said emitted signal produces a sensorysignal selected from the group consisting of a sound and light.
 6. Thedevice as set forth in claim 1, wherein said at least two spaced aparthand movement sensors are incorporated into a bill of a baseball cap. 7.A device for preventing infection by a virus, comprising: at least twospaced apart hand movement sensors enabled to detect when a person'shand is near the person's face; an IRED/infrared emitting device adaptedto emit a signal, said IRED/infrared emitting device being operativelyassociated with said at least two spaced apart hand movement sensors; acontroller with a microprocessor to detect outputs of said at least twospaced apart hand movement sensors of detected movements adapted tomonitor movement of a hand of a person within at least 12 inches fromthe face of the person, said controller with said microprocessor todetect outputs of said at least two spaced apart hand movement sensorsof detected movements operatively associated with said at least twospaced apart hand movement sensors, such that when said at least twospaced apart hand movement sensors are triggered by a person's hand,said IRED/infrared emitting device emits said signal to warn a personthat their hand is in the proximity of their face; and a recordingtransmitter for communicating from said at least two spaced apart handmovement sensors to a recording device that records the occurrence ofsaid signal to indicate the number of hand-to-face contacts by saidperson, thereby reducing the risk that virus related infections will beacquired by said person, wherein said at least two spaced apart handmovement sensors are incorporated into a pair of eye glasses.
 8. Adevice for preventing infection by a virus, comprising: at least twospaced apart hand movement sensors enabled to detect when a person'shand is near the person's face; are IRED/infrared emitting deviceadapted to emit a signal, said IRED/infrared emitting device beingoperatively associated with said at least two spaced apart hand movementsensors; a controller with a microprocessor to detect outputs of said atleast two spaced apart hand movement sensors of detected movementsadapted to monitor movement of a hand of a person within at least 12inches from the face of the person, said controller with saidmicroprocessor to detect outputs of said at least two spaced apart handmovement sensors of detected movements operatively associated with saidat least two spaced apart hand movement sensors, such that when said atleast two spaced apart hand movement sensors are triggered by a person'shand, said IRED/infrared emitting device emits said signal to warn aperson that their hand is in the proximity of their face; and arecording transmitter for communicating from said at least two spacedapart hand movement sensors to a recording device that records theoccurrence of said signal to indicate the number of hand-to-facecontacts by said person, thereby reducing the risk that virus relatedinfections will be acquired by said person, wherein said at least twospaced apart hand movement sensors are incorporated into a baseball cap.9. A device for preventing infection by a virus, comprising: at leasttwo spaced apart hand movement sensors enabled to detect when a person'shand is near the person's face; an IRED/infrared emitting device adaptedto emit a signal, said IRED/infrared emitting device being operativelyassociated with said at least two spaced apart hand movement sensors; acontroller with a microprocessor to detect outputs of said at least twospaced apart hand movement sensors of detected movements adapted tomonitor movement of a hand of a person within at least 12 inches fromthe face of the person, said controller with said microprocessor todetect outputs of said at least two spaced apart hand movement sensorsof detected movements operatively associated with said at least twospaced apart hand movement sensors, such that when said at least twospaced apart hand movement sensors are triggered by a person's hand,said IRED/infrared emitting device emits said signal to warn a personthat their hand is in the proximity of their face; and a recordingtransmitter for communicating from said at least two spaced apart handmovement sensors to a recording device that records the occurrence ofsaid signal to indicate the number of hand-to-face contacts by saidperson, thereby reducing the risk that virus related infections will beacquired by said person, wherein said at least two spaced apart handmovement sensors are incorporated into a button employed as a closuremechanism for clothing.